Latest news with #HardKnocks'
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
UNC, Bill Belichick to be featured on Hulu
Get ready to see UNC and Bill Belichick on Hulu The North Carolina Tar Heels will officially begin the Bill Belichick era this fall as they prepare for their first season under the legendary coach. And now fans will get an inside look at Belichick and the program. With the news of a 'Hard Knocks' spinoff being shelved earlier in the spring, Friday brought some positive news on that front but in a different format. Front Office Sports is reporting that Belichick and the Tar Heels will be the subject of a new docuseries coming to Hulu sometime in 2025. The series will focus on Belichick's life as well as the Tar Heels' program who ushers in a new era with the addition of Belichick as head coach. Belichick and the program recently turned down the opportunity to be on "Hard Knocks" as the first ever college version of the show. He cited that the show was made for training camp while ono the Pivot Podcast with Ryan Clark per On3. 'Hard Knocks is training camp, and we're not training camp. We're just not,' Belichick said. 'That's not what we are. The drama of training camp, who's a cut and all that. Like, we're a season, and they don't want that. Yeah, there are film issues too, but forget about the film issues. Just say you could straighten all those out, Hard Knocks just didn't fit for us.' There is no official release date or name for the docuseries at the moment. UNC will kick off its season on September 1st as they host TCU in primetime. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Josh Allen prioritizes Super Bowl push, not 'Hard Knocks' fame as Buffalo Bills head into training camp cameras
Josh Allen (via Getty Images) Josh Allen, quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, is approaching the 2025 NFL season with a well-defined purpose—win a Super Bowl—and he has no intention of allowing HBO's "Hard Knocks" to get in the way. With the league dropping its policy of exempting playoff teams from the reality docuseries, the Buffalo Bills are now in the spotlight, including in this season's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp. " It's the first time for the franchise, but Allen believes the pressure has to be on football and not the movie crew. Buffalo Bills' Josh Allen wants team focused despite 'Hard Knocks' cameras Josh Allen understands how quickly distractions can seep into training camp, particularly when a production crew from HBO and NFL Films is taping every step. Discussing in a recent interview, Allen emphasized that although increased visibility will be thrilling for supporters, it can't be a distraction for the Buffalo Bills. "First and foremost, cannot let it become a distraction," Allen said. "Got to keep the main thing the main thing, and that's trying to be the best we can be on the field. Making sure we're doing everything right, and not letting the cameras distract us. I think that's going to be a sign of a good team." Bills Josh Allen "surprised" by Hard Knocks announcement on his birthday Josh Allen credits coach Sean McDermott for a genuine locker room atmosphere The quarterback credited head coach Sean McDermott with creating a locker room environment that values genuineness— something that Allen feels will translate on television without detracting from football. "For the longest time, 'Hard Knocks' was usually reserved for, I wouldn't say bad teams, but teams that didn't make the playoffs the year before," Allen said. "I know they lifted that rule, and we're kind of the first team that's coming from the playoffs to be on it, in terms of the training camp portion of it. So, yeah, it's going to be a little different, but we got a lot of veteran leadership in the locker room and a lot of young guys who we're going to have to take on our shoulders and be like, 'Hey, this is how we're doing it. ' Again, you want to be a star and the face of this and that and the other? Let your play take care of it. Still be yourself and let your personality out. I think Coach [Sean] McDermott has been doing a great job ever since I was rookie of making sure, whoever you are, be that person all the time, right? Being as authentic as possible is one of the greatest qualities that you can have, and this is no different." This season's slate is historic for more than Buffalo alone. It is the first time since the debut of the show in 2001 that a recent postseason contender—not a rebuilding team—is getting all the attention. The quarterback emphasized the value of mental clarity, particularly as the season picks up. Whether it's game day or a study of film, Allen feels that improved sleep may provide him with an edge in competition in 2025. Also read: Buffalo Bills' hopes live or die with Josh Allen—romance with Hailee Steinfeld won't fix team issues All eyes on Buffalo as training camp looms With "Hard Knocks" coming to provide fans with an all-access view inside the Buffalo Bills' building, Josh Allen is ensuring the team does not lose sight of what the end goal is: holding the Lombardi Trophy. If the team can block out the cameras and concentrate on football, 2025 might be the year the Buffalo Bills break through. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Bills' Josh Allen on ESPN's QB ratings, fewer turnovers, and the 'big number'
Josh Allen's been busy in 2025. The Buffalo Bills quarterback came within one game of reaching his first career Super Bowl before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game. But less than two weeks later, he won the 2024 Most Valuable Player award. Then he tied the knot with singer and actress Hailee Steinfeld on May 31. Allen caught up with USA TODAY Sports on July 14 through his partnership with sleep-aid brand Natrol but also touched on his extension, the recent quarterback rankings from league personnel canvassed by ESPN, how he cut down on turnovers in 2024, and why his acting chops have improved. Josh Allen's contract extension not record breaking but 'still a big number' Allen and the Bills agreed to a six-year, $330 million extension that replaced the existing four years and $129.5 million still left on the books. The $250 million guaranteed is less than what Dak Prescott received from the Dallas Cowboys. But Allen doesn't see it as taking a discount. 'It's kind of hard to say, but it's still a big number,' Allen said. Josh Allen found out about Bills' 'Hard Knocks' appearance on 29th birthday: 'A surprise' Nobody asks him about why he signed the deal. Instead, Allen thinks of it as a way to capitalize on what he sees as a fortunate situation in Buffalo. Bills general manager Brandon Beane approached his camp in March and wanted to do right by him, Allen said. 'They took a chance on me going back to my draft year eight years ago now,' he said. 'I'm just trying to play the best football I can play.' Now entering his eighth season, Allen said he sometimes feels like a player still on his first rookie deal and not someone who is a veteran. 'It's happened in the blink of an eye. I feel like I'm going into year three or four right now,' Allen said. When people ask him about certain games or plays, the details are starting to become jumbled. 'I'll have to go back and watch for film of that certain game to understand what they're talking about,' he said. Josh Allen explains reasons for less turnovers in 2024 In 2023, Allen threw a career-worst 18 interceptions. That gave him 49 total in the span of three regular seasons (50 starts). Last season, however, Allen threw six interceptions – a 66% decrease. A lot of factors played into that drop, Allen said. The offensive line took its game to another level, in Allen's mind. Running back James Cook turned in another Pro-Bowl season and scored 16 rushing touchdowns. Allen also credited offensive coordinator Joe Brady for putting in concepts and plays that provide answers for what defenses present. Looking inward, Allen said, it was about making better decisions with the football and letting the game come to him. There is also a luck factor at play. Sometimes quarterbacks throw a ball off a receiver's hands and it's picked off. Other times, they errantly fire one right at a defender who drops it. 'They all kind of even themselves out,' Allen said. Taking care of the football is a priority entering training camp, Allen said, so he can hit the ground running like in 2024. 'Making sure, again, that I'm just being smart with the football, understanding the concepts, trusting my eyes, trusting my arm and trusting my feet if it's not there,' Allen said. Josh Allen reacts to ESPN's QB ratings ESPN polled league executives, personnel employees, coaches and scouts for the top 10 players at each position. On July 14, the quarterback rankings came out, with the Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes first, Allen second, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals third and the Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson fourth. Allen hadn't seen the rankings but didn't appear surprised. 'Any time you play one of those three guys, you know you have to perform your best to keep up with them,' Allen said. 'We have a lot of quarterback talent in the league, especially in the AFC right now. Just a lot of guys that, again, they show up each and every game. And in order to beat them you got to play better than them, which is very hard to do.' Josh Allen hopes sleep, Natrol partnership take game to next level Last season, Allen became serious about changing his diet and felt better as a result. Sleep is the next aspect of his health he wants to conquer. That is one aspect of his health Allen feels he's neglected throughout the first part of his career and is why he partnered with Natrol and starred in their 'I think going into training camp, getting restorative sleep is the number one thing,' Allen said. During camp, Allen likes to settle down earlier than usual. The Bills have a 10:30 p.m. curfew, but he might duck into his room 30 minutes earlier, turn the lights off and the air conditioning up. Waking up early and working out so he doesn't have to do it after practice makes camp that much easier, he said. 'But I'm very excited to see how Natrol Sleep and Restore is going to unlock the next thing in my game.' Allen used the product while flying back from Europe in March. Typically, he has a hard time sleeping on planes. But on this occasion he passed out for 10 hours – most of the flight. 'I just thought that was the coolest thing,' Allen said. For Natrol, Allen shot a 30-second commercial that portrays how sleep makes him the best version of himself in all parts of his life. 'I truly believe in the product,' Allen said. 'I think it'll help me be a better football player, a better leader and a better, overall, morning person and just waking up refreshed and ready to go and bringing that energy. 'Because as a quarterback people look at you and look to you. Sometimes I have to provide the energy throughout the day and that starts with me. So making sure that I'm doing everything necessary to be the best leader and the best teammate I can be. And sleep can help me do that.' At the start of his career, Allen was hesitant about the concept of acting and promoting products. But as he does more of the like and his star continues to rise, it's becoming more second nature. Being in front of the camera helps him tap into his competitive juices, too. 'I do appreciate the challenge,' Allen said. 'That was a pretty challenging shoot, I think. There (were) rigs, there were dollies, there was stuff getting pulled off me, I was ripping clothes off and jumping over people. I do enjoy that more than sitting there and holding the product.' Bills' new stadium, Bills Hallmark movie … and more movies The 2025 season will be the Bills' final in their current Highmark Stadium. The new Highmark Stadium will open in 2026 across the street. Allen toured the new digs a month ago. The construction happened quickly and he saw that throughout last year. 'To go out for practice and be like 'Holy cow, they already put this steel beam up,'' Allen said. 'Hopefully we can end this season at Highmark with a bang and open the new one the right way.' Some of Allen's teammates will be going from Highmark to Hallmark this holiday season, with the Bills being featured in 'Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story.' Head coach Sean McDermott, left tackle Dion Dawkins and safety Damar Hamlin will appear. Allen said a few guys were a bit nervous. Movies are an important part of Allen's daily life. 'If I have one superpower, it's remembering movies and movie quotes,' he said. 'The more I watch, the more I retain. It's like my own language. I'm constantly thinking through them. It's a cool little skill that I have. ''The Other Guys'' is probably the top-quoted film. 'Stepbrothers' is a classic. And 'Holes' has been receiving some shine lately."
New York Post
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Josh Allen ‘didn't react too great' to NFL's birthday surprise
Josh Allen's birthday didn't come bearing gifts from the NFL. The Bills' star quarterback learned on May 21 — the day he turned 29 — that the Bills would be featured in 'Hard Knocks' and most of his training camp would be spent with a camera following him around. 'It was quite a surprise,' Allen told USA TODAY Sports on Monday. 'Typically, teams that make the playoffs were never a part of that conversation.' Advertisement 4 The Chicago Bears were on Hard Knocks in 2024. TNS The Bills made the playoffs and narrowly missed out on a Super Bowl berth after they lost to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game this past season. Previously, league rules prohibited teams that had made the playoffs in the last two years, had a first-year head coach, or had appeared on the show in the last 10 years from being selected for 'Hard Knocks.' Advertisement 4 Josh Allen and the Bills will be featured on Hard Knocks. AP Owners voted to eliminate the playoff stipulation before the 2024 season. 'I probably, initially, didn't react too great to it,' Allen said. 'But I do think it's a cool opportunity for people to see some of the great men we have on our team and some of the great women we have in our staff as a whole. 'So I think it's a thing we can't let distract us. Got to keep the main thing the main thing. But I also think it could be a fun opportunity for guys to show their personality. And people get a better insight for how the Buffalo Bills operate.' Advertisement The Bills are in a bit of a better spot to jump into the HBO Max show than most, as we've seen teams struggle in years past with the all-access view of their team. 4 The Jets did everything they could to avoid Hard Knocks. Getty Images The Giants were roundly criticized while on the since-canceled 'Hard Knocks: Front Office' show that followed around their coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen while crucial offseason decisions were being made. Other teams that had a tough time on the show included Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders, who had a newly signed but already disgruntled wide receiver, Antonio Brown, on their team. Advertisement The Jets had the show in 2023 when they traded for Aaron Rodgers and did everything they could to avoid it. 4 Hard Knocks follows around players in an all-access style on HBO. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images Despite pleas from former head coach Robert Saleh, the Jets were forced into the show before having a disastrous regular season, which culminated with Rodgers tearing his Achilles in Week 1 of the season. Buffalo is a Super Bowl contender coming into 2025, and head coach Sean McDermott is under contract through 2027.
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Home burglary prevented Joe Burrow from making this massive $3 million purchase
Joe Burrow had to postpone his crime-fighting days in Gotham. The Bengals quarterback said he passed on buying a $3 million replica Batmobile following a robbery at his Ohio home last December. 'I didn't end up getting the Batmobile because I just had other things I wanted to deal with at that point,' Burrow said on Netflix's 'Quarterback' series. Advertisement 3 Joe Burrow in June 2025. Kareem Elgazzar-Imagn Images Burrow made waves last year when he revealed in the first episode of the in-season 'Hard Knocks' that he bought a fully scaled Batmobile, which retailed at $2.99 million, per ESPN. He told receiver Tee Higgins in the episode — which aired Dec. 3 after a Week 13 loss to the Steelers — he made the purchase but he would not receive it for a year. Advertisement The Bengals beat the Cowboys in Dallas on 'Monday Night Football' the following week and that's when Burrow's $7.5 million home in Anderson Township was broken into. This break-in happened during a high-profile string of robberies at the homes of NFL players, including Chiefs stars Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes. A gang of Chilean migrants were accused of stealing $300,000 in luxury goods and posted photos with the merchandise, before being indicted in federal court in Cincinnati. Advertisement Burrow learned of the robbery — called into the police by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and possible girlfriend Olivia Ponton — after the win when he checked his phone in the locker room. 'Of f–king course this happened to me right now, when you're on cloud nine something is going to bring you right back down,' Burrow said in the series. 'I just felt like that was the kinda year it was.' 3 The Batmobile from 'Batman Forever.' Getty Images The break-in left its mark on the quarterback. Advertisement 'I just get uncomfortable when my life is very public and that comes with the job but there are certain parts of your life that are yours, your house is one of those,' he said in the Netflix production. 'When that gets violated people find out where you live, all these different things. Not everybody's failures at their job are in front of the whole world. It's every vulnerable position to be in. I put myself in that position because I love it. I don't like the other part of it.' 3 Joe Burrow's Ohio home was broken into in December 2024. Google Earth Burrow, who signed a five-year, $275 million contract with the Bengals in 2023, told former defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in the episode that he considered moving, but ESPN reported the house is still listed to Burrow. 'That's the only part I'm upset about — all my business is out there,' he said. 'I got news vans camped out by the house. It sucks. So, we'll see if I end up moving. The whole world knows where I live now. That hasn't been really fun to deal with.'
